U.S.-MEXICO BORDER

Baker Institute Policy Report 38, "Developing the U.S.-Mexico Border Region for a Prosperous and Secure Relationship," aims to aid policymakers in forging stronger and sustainable U.S.-Mexico bilateral relations with the use of more creative approaches to border issues. Sponsored by the Baker Institute, this study investigates the important role of border institutions, civil society, cross-border transnational populations, and localized, small-scale problem-solving as a first defense against the deteriorating conditions at the border -- be they humanitarian, economic or security-related.

Coordinated by Erika de la Garza, program director of the Baker Institute"s Latin American Initiative, and David Mares, Baker Institute Scholar for Energy Studies, the report includes findings from nine binational research papers. Commissioned by the Baker Institute, the papers analyze a number of topics relevant to the border"s future, including the social and economic burden that migration places on border communities on both sides, the impact of inadequate physical and human infrastructure at the border, and the need for collaborative efforts to combat organized crime. By examining these important components of border relations and making policy recommendations, the report hopes to shed light on the building blocks for more constructive dialogue and policies that will enhance U.S.-Mexico relations.